Abstract:

Objective To analysis therapeutic effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) on treating thoracic/lumbar vertebral compression fracture. Methods Twenty patients (28 vertebrae) suffered from thoracic/lumbar vertebral compression fracture were treated by minimal invasive therapy, PVP and PKP. Visual analog scale (VAS) of patients was measured before operation, 24 h after operation, and during follow-up. Oswestry disability index (ODI) of patients was measured before operation and during follow-up. Patients were investigated retrospectively of their satisfaction toward surgery 24 h after operation and during follow-up. Results All 20 patients received successful operation without any complication. Four patients underwent PVP (5 vertebrae) and 16 received PKP (23 vertebrae). All patients were followed up from 1 to 24 months (mean 8 months). The VAS was 8.9±0.4, 2.1±2.0, and 2.2±1.9 before operation, 24 h after operation, and at the last follow-up, respectively. Compared with preoperative scale, there was significant differences to the other two scales (P<0.05). The ODI of the last follow-up [(25.8±10.4)%] was significantly lower than ODI of before operation [(56.4±10.8)%] (P<0.05). The satisfaction rates were 95.0% 24 h after operation and 89.5% at the last follow-up, respectively. Conclusion PVP or PKP has minimal invasion with remarkable antalgic effects in treating vertebral compression fracture, which prevents vertebral collapse and improves body activity and quality of life. The operation is a safe and effective therapy.

Key words: percutaneous vertebroplasty, percutaneous kyphoplasty, thoracic/lumbar vertebral compression fracture, minimal invasive therapy